Actress Natasha Richardson dies after ski accident

Last updated on: March 19, 2009 11:07 IST

Tony award winning glamorous actress Natasha Richardson, a member of highly accomplished British Redgrave acting dynasty, died in Manhattan hospital where she flown after suffering serous injuries in skiing accident.

Her actor husband Liam Neeson and her sons, Michael (13) and Daniel (12) were by her bedside when the end came on Wednesday. She was 45.

"Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time," family spokesman Alan Nierob said in a statement.

Richardson, daughter of Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson, fell during a beginner's skiing lesson at Mont Tremblant ski resort, about 120 km North of Montreal on Monday and was by some accounts not wearing a helmet.

Initially, her injuries were not described as serious but about an hour later she complained of headache and was admitted to local hospital. Later she was flown to New York and admitted in a hospital Tuesday.

The spokesman did not give the cause of death but media reports said she had suffered a severe head trauma.